Like this article?

Vegetable soup with fragrant pesto

This soup is based on pistou, the classic French soup from Provence. Laden with vegetables and pasta, and flavoured with pesto, the delicious basil and parmesan sauce, it makes a fabulous change from minestrone, its Italian counterpart. French bread is the traditional accompaniment.

With a selection of Italian–style antipasto vegetables in your refrigerator, interesting light meals and snacks can be prepared in minutes, such as these tasty toasts topped with capsicum and ricotta. A salad is all that's needed to make a sustaining lunch.

A hearty vegetarian dish packed with flavour, this is ideal for a family meal or casual entertaining. A selection of vegetables – butternut pumpkin, asparagus and leeks – is roasted in garlicky olive oil, then tossed with chunky pasta shapes and a cheesy sauce.